“We just dealt with it as we could” – Salford Rugby Player battling Motor Neurone Disease raises more than £70,000 for others suffering with the condition

A Salford rugby player with Motor Neurone Disease has raised more than £70,000 for other people with the condition.

60-year-old Salford-born Gavin Price was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in June 2017. Mr Price did not make any family or friends aware of his diagnosis until October 2019.

After Rugby players Rob Burrow and Doddie Weir announced their Motor Neurone Disease diagnoses publicly, both Mr Price and his wife were inspired to set up a JustGiving page to raise funds for those suffering from the disease in the Greater Manchester area.

Mr Price’s wife, Alyson, 58, said: “What we have tried to do is carry on as normal. We didn’t tell anybody so we just dealt with it as we could.

“People need help, and the Manchester branch of the Greater Manchester area does so much for grants for people, we met a lady who unfortunately got diagnosed after her husband passed away and she’s benefitted from the grants and that’s what we wanted to do.”

Gavin played for the De La Salle Salford Rugby Club from the age of 14 and the club has organised multiple fundraisers to support him in his efforts to spread the word and support others. His fellow teammates say he’s a vital and loyal member of the club to this day.

Club steward, Steve Whittle, said: “We all feel the same in this club, we love Gavin and it’s tragic but he’s such a strong character.”